ROCKFORD - In what Rockford leaders are calling a clear sign that young people care about their education and their futures, enrollment in a free ACT preparation course has quadrupled since launching last year.

The Rockford School District has about 2,000 high school juniors, all of whom take the college entrance exam at least once as part of the state-mandated Prairie State Achievement Exam. Rockford's average score, on a scale of zero to 36, has been hovering around 18 the past few years. The state's average is 21.

Students who took last year's pilot prep course increased their scores, on average, by 3 points, officials said as they prepared to kick off the program's second year.

Superintendent Ehren Jarrett, Auburn High School Principal Devon LaRosa and First Rockford Group CEO Sunil Puri joined educators Tuesday at Guilford High School to celebrate last year's success and this year's growth. Enroll has gone from 118 to more than 400.

"That is how far the young people of this community have come in wanting to improve their lives," Puri said.

Puri is donating $40,000 to support this year's expansion and offer perks and prizes.

Higher ACT scores translate to more financial assistance and acceptance into better schools, officials said. The prep course, taught by Rockford School District educators, is designed to help students identify their test-taking weaknesses and learn how to get a better score when they test again in April.

When are the classes? The course starts Saturday and continues every Saturday through April 12. All classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Guilford High School, 5620 Spring Creek Road. Students are required to attend four sessions to complete the program.

Who is the course for? The course is split into basic and advanced levels. Students will be placed into classes based on previous test scores.

Why do students have to pay $20? The registration fee is an incentive, officials said. It's reimbursed to students after they complete their fourth session.

How do students get there? The Rockford School District will be running a handful of school buses from Auburn, Jefferson and East high schools and all of the district's middle schools to Guilford and back.

Do students get a break for lunch? Yes. Students get a 30-minute break. A free catered lunch from Famous Dave's will be provided.

Do students get materials? Yes. All students will receive an ACT prep textbook.

Page 2 of 2 - How do students enroll? Students must sign up through their high school counselors. The course is at capacity and has a waiting list of 35 students as of Tuesday. Officials are encouraging students to continue to enroll. They are working on ways to include all students expressing interest.

New this year: The school with the most students enrolled in the course will get a traveling trophy. The school that has the most improved composite score will get a traveling trophy and a night at Volcano Falls Adventure Park. Students who take the course and improve their score by 3 or more points will be entered into a drawing for a cash prize.